Needle shots can be a
frightening experience for young children. The pain that a child has to endure
during a vaccination shot is unbearable for him/her. Until the time there is a
painless alternative for needle vaccinations, you will need to get your child
vaccinated so that his/her body can fight against diseases. You may not be able
to reduce the pain during a shot, but you can prepare your child in advance so
that he/she can sustain the pain inflicted from experience. That said, here are
a few tips to support your child when he is ready for his next shot at the
doctor.
Be Honest
Many parents do not discuss the
truth with their children, which can bring up a negative consequence. Lying to
your child will only complicate things by lowering your child’s trust in you.
Instead, you should tell him/her honestly about vaccinations and the reason
behind their use. In addition, you can tell your kid that it will hurt but only
for a couple of seconds. Do not forget to stay positive in front of them to
relieve them of the fear.
Do not reveal in advance
Many parents make the mistake
of letting their kids know in advance about an upcoming shot. If you reveal it
too early, then there is a possibility that the child may stay nervous and
scared the whole time before the vaccination appointment. On the contrary, you
should tell them only if they ask themselves. It is better to hide until the
last moment than lying.
Keep a check for side effects
Do not merely get your child
vaccination and leave the place. It is always prudent to inquire about the type
of vaccination and the possible reactions that may affect your child. Some
vaccinations have a moderate impact on the kid, which can include swelling,
fatigue, headaches, etc. Be sure to learn about all these effects and possible
ways to prevent them. Moreover, it is essential that the doctor use a
sterilized needle every time. View Story to
learn about such a case of irresponsibility.
Distract them while they are taking the shot
During the needle shot, you can
use various ways to keep your kid distracted. You can tell him/her a joke, make
a funny face, or bring their favorite toy along. Besides these methods, doctors
may sometimes apply an anesthetic
ointment over the skin that numbs it for 10-15 minutes. You
may ask the medical practitioner to use such cream that may help prevent the
pain to the child.
Reward your child
Many a time, you can manage
your child after vaccination by rewarding him/her with a candy or a toy to
relieve his/her pain. This special incentive is a way to admire his/her act of
bravery and helps him/her to consider such vaccinations positively.
Furthermore, you can promise your kid for a special treat after he/she gets the
needle vaccination.
A child is naïve and may not
understand the importance of vaccination at such a young age. Thus, you may
have to try some of the above techniques to keep them motivated for such
medical procedures.
